You will need to sign on with your LLLID (La Leche League ID) before you can post. If you have never claimed your LLLID, create your LLLID now. To sign in, click the LLLID Sign On button in the upper right corner. Enter your LLLID Alias and click the button again.

tips on transporting frozen BM

Hi ladies! My name is Lauren and I am new to the forum. I had my first baby almost 2 months ago, a little boy named Dominic.

My husband and I are going on a 3-night stay to the Bahamas in mid-February. I have started to pump once a day and freeze the breastmilk so my baby can have the BM while we are away (he will be staying with my parents).

My question is this: we will be driving to my parents to drop Dominic off, who live 3 hours away. How can I transport the frozen BM? It needs to stay frozen, right?

Also, what rules should I tell my parents about frozen BM...how to thaw, what to do with extra once it's been thawed, if they are able to leave in refridgerator the whole time...etc.

Re: tips on transporting frozen BM

Hi ladies! My name is Lauren and I am new to the forum. I had my first baby almost 2 months ago, a little boy named Dominic.

Hopefully I remember all of your questions.. but first - Congratulations on your LO and he is so luck to have you since you are making sure he gets EBM while your gone.

I have had pretty good luck transporting frozen milk by putting it buried in a cooler with LOTS of ice. We drove 4 hours once and the milk stayed frozen with this method. But other people may have a better suggestion. Just dont skimp on the ice.

As far as what to tell your parents, the milk should be thawed out in the fridge as opposed to setting it on a counter. THis process does take a while. Also, I try to use the milk within 24 hours of dethawing, so they would need to leave some in the freezer.

As far as you - make sure you pump while your gone! You dont want your supply going down!

Re: tips on transporting frozen BM

Originally Posted by chargermom

Hopefully I remember all of your questions.. but first - Congratulations on your LO and he is so luck to have you since you are making sure he gets EBM while your gone.

I have had pretty good luck transporting frozen milk by putting it buried in a cooler with LOTS of ice. We drove 4 hours once and the milk stayed frozen with this method. But other people may have a better suggestion. Just dont skimp on the ice.

As far as what to tell your parents, the milk should be thawed out in the fridge as opposed to setting it on a counter. THis process does take a while. Also, I try to use the milk within 24 hours of dethawing, so they would need to leave some in the freezer.

As far as you - make sure you pump while your gone! You dont want your supply going down!
HTH and have fun on your trip

I know, I will be pumping every 3 hours while we are gone...even at the airport! And the beach! And the casino!! Ha ha...j/k

Re: tips on transporting frozen BM

Hi Congrats on your LO!!

my experience with transporting BM was to buy a cooler a little bigger than the space you need for all your milkd. I put an icepack on the bottom, on all the sides and one on top. I then put the milk in the trunk since it's coooler than inside your car) and that worked awesome for us. Oh and once you pack the cooler don't open it until you get there to put in the freezer!!
(PS- we travelled for 12 hours ion the car done this way!)

I heard you shouldnt use icecubes because when they start to melt, so does you milk. Im not sure but a momma on these boards told me that!

HTH!

Newly Pregnant momma to My little Miss Gracie with a little sibling on the way.

Re: tips on transporting frozen BM

Originally Posted by LindusandGrace

Hi Congrats on your LO!!

my experience with transporting BM was to buy a cooler a little bigger than the space you need for all your milkd. I put an icepack on the bottom, on all the sides and one on top. I then put the milk in the trunk since it's coooler than inside your car) and that worked awesome for us. Oh and once you pack the cooler don't open it until you get there to put in the freezer!!
(PS- we travelled for 12 hours ion the car done this way!)

I heard you shouldnt use icecubes because when they start to melt, so does you milk. Im not sure but a momma on these boards told me that!